Is Gabapentin a Narcotic or a Controlled Substance? Gabapentin Narcotic Class. Gabapentin Narcotics.

Gabapentin Uses

Gabapentin is employed in conjunction with other medications to prevent and manage seizures. Additionally, it alleviates nerve pain that occurs in adults following a shingles outbreak (a painful rash caused by herpes zoster infection). Gabapentin is classified as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic medication.

How To Use Gabapentin Oral

Follow your doctor’s instructions when taking this medication, either with or without food. The dosage is determined by your medical condition and how you respond to the treatment. For children, the dosage is also determined by their weight.

If you are prescribed tablets and your doctor instructs you to split them in half, take the remaining half-tablet at your next scheduled dose. Dispose of any half-tablets that are not used within a few days of splitting. If you are using capsules, swallow them whole with ample water.

It’s crucial to adhere precisely to your doctor’s prescribed dosage. During the initial days of treatment, your doctor may gradually increase your dose to allow your body to adapt to the medication. To minimize potential side effects, take the very first dose at bedtime.

Ensure you take it consistently to derive the maximum benefit from this medication. This medication is most effective when the level of medicine in your body remains constant. Take gabapentin at regular intervals, ideally simultaneously (s) daily. If you use it thrice a day to manage seizures, avoid exceeding a 12-hour gap between doses to prevent increased seizure activity.

Do not self-adjust the frequency or dosage of this medication without consulting your doctor. Increasing or taking the dose more frequently will not expedite your recovery and may elevate the risk of severe side effects.

Consult your doctor before discontinuing this medication. Abruptly stopping the drug could worsen certain conditions. Your doctor may need to reduce your dosage gradually.

Antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium might hinder the absorption of this medication. If you are using an antacid, it’s advisable to take gabapentin at least 2 hours after your antacid dose.

It’s important to note that various formulations of gabapentin, such as immediate-release, sustained-release, and enacarbil sustained-release, are absorbed differently in the body. Switching between these forms should be done only under the guidance of your doctor.

If your condition does not show improvement or worsens, be sure to inform your doctor.

Gabapentin Side Effects

While taking this medication, you may experience drowsiness, dizziness, coordination difficulties, fatigue, blurred or double vision, unusual eye movements, or tremors. If these effects persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor or pharmacist.

Remember that your doctor prescribed this medication because they have determined its benefits outweigh the potential side effects. Many individuals using this medication do not encounter severe side effects.

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience significant side effects, such as swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet.

In rare cases, a few individuals using anticonvulsants for various conditions (e.g., seizures, bipolar disorder, pain) may encounter symptoms like depression, thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts, or other mental and mood issues. Contact your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver observe any abrupt or unusual changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior, including signs of depression, thoughts of self-harm, or self-harming ideation.

Seek immediate medical attention if you encounter severe side effects, such as slow or shallow breathing.

A highly uncommon severe allergic reaction to this medication may occur. Nevertheless, seek immediate medical assistance if you observe any signs of a severe allergic reaction, including symptoms like fever, enlarged lymph nodes, skin rash, itching or swelling (particularly of the face, tongue, or throat), profound dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

Gabapentin Risks

Before initiating gabapentin, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies, whether to gabapentin itself, gabapentin enacarbil, or other substances. This product might contain inactive components capable of triggering allergic reactions or other complications. For more information, consult your pharmacist.

Before commencing this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, particularly if you have a history of kidney disease, mental or mood disorders (such as depression or suicidal thoughts), substance use or abuse, or respiratory issues like COPD.

This medication may induce dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. The consumption of alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can intensify these effects. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or performing tasks that require alertness or clear vision until you can do so safely. Restrict your alcohol intake, and consult your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before undergoing any surgical procedure, inform your doctor or dentist about all the products you are using, including prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, and herbal products.

Elderly individuals may be more susceptible to the side effects of this medication, especially swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet, shallow or slow breathing, dizziness, or impaired coordination. Dizziness and coordination issues can elevate the risk of falls.

Pediatric patients may exhibit increased sensitivity to the potential side effects of this medication, particularly changes in mental state, mood, or behavior, such as increased hostility, difficulties in concentration, or restlessness.

If you are pregnant, consider using this medication only when its necessity is unequivocal, and discuss the associated risks and advantages with your physician.

Gabapentin can pass into breast milk. Before breastfeeding, consult with your doctor for guidance.

Gabapentin Interactions

Interactions between drugs can alter the effectiveness of your medications or heighten the risk of severe side effects. This document may not encompass all conceivable drug interactions. Maintain a comprehensive list of all the products you are using, including prescription and non-prescription medications and herbal products. Share this list with both your doctor and pharmacist. Refrain from initiating, discontinuing, or altering the dosage of any medications without the explicit approval of your doctor.

One product that may interact with this medication is Orlistat.

The likelihood of severe side effects, such as shallow or slow breathing, profound drowsiness, or dizziness, may rise when this medication is combined with other substances that can induce drowsiness or breathing difficulties. Notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are using additional products like opioid pain relievers or cough suppressants (e.g., codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), sleep aids or anxiety medications (e.g., alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (e.g., carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Constantly scrutinize the labels of all your medications, including those for allergies or colds, as they may include ingredients that induce drowsiness. Seek advice from your pharmacist on the safe use of such products.

Avoid combining this medication with other drugs that contain gabapentin, which includes gabapentin enacarbil.

It’s essential to be aware that this medication might disrupt specific laboratory tests, such as urine protein tests, potentially leading to inaccurate results. Ensure that the laboratory staff and all your healthcare providers are informed of your use of this medication.

Gabapentin Overdose

If an overdose occurs and severe symptoms like loss of consciousness or difficulty breathing are evident, dial 911 immediately. In less severe cases, promptly contact a poison control center.

Gabapentin Imprints

Below is a dosage chart providing information about Gabapentin dosage ranges, imprints, color, shape, and tablet versus capsule classification.